The year’s graduating class weathered an academic career like no other. They transitioned to online learning, endured the thousands of COVID tests required by their respective universities and were isolated from their friends and collaborators. And yet, despite it all, they emerge triumphant and as resilient as ever. 

Among this year’s bright class of graduates is Rodney Chrome, an artist who just graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. You might have seen Rodney on your social feeds as he was anointed with the great responsibility of addressing his graduating class of 19,000 in this year’s commencement. And just a few weeks later, Rodney, in true graduate fashion, set out on his own. Last week, the musician released his newest project – the first installment out of four. Titled Ghetto Popstar Vol. 1, it charts the artist’s last few years developing his sound and setting out on his dream.  

​​”The story of the Ghetto Popstar series is a collection of four EP’s that narrate a fantasy world that I created in order to show listeners how easy it is to become “famous” and also how quickly this fame can be taken away,” he shared about his latest project. “No matter how many streams, video views, or Tik Tok shares you have, Ghetto Popstar Vol. 1 was created to make a statement that you can be the most DIY artist but still feel as though you’re the biggest popstar this world has ever seen. Because this is exactly how Rodney Chrome views himself through the lens or his artistry.”

Throughout the project, Chrome expresses his feelings through a harmonious mix of rhythm, sound and techno textures. For Rodney, writing has always come easy. He tells us that he is always writing and thinking of new concepts, often jotting down fleeting ideas or emotions in his Notes app. And in a seemingly effortless way, his lyrics takes us through a journey of his young adult life and teases what’s next. 

“I think it’s time that the world of music sees an artist like myself carving such a niche lane that not many others can occupy,” he explains. “Ghetto Popstar Vol. 1 is intended to let people know that Rodney Chrome is here and now is time to spread the gospel.”

But this isn’t his first foray into music, prior to Ghetto Popstar Vol.1 was the release of Rodney’s debut EP titled, Queer Pressure. The EP documents Rodney’s relationship with labels and, in the process, detaches himself from them to create space for true self-expression. In between the funky baselines and candid lyrics, Rodney expresses his innermost feelings about his own happiness and sexuality. Featuring intimate lyrics and an infectious beat, the project soon took hold, and before you knew it, the EP accumulated over 300,000 streams across platforms.

And if this latest project is any indication, Rodney is just getting started. With every creative endeavor he embarks on, he makes sure to provide a holistic vision of his artistry – arguing that is much more than just a singer. He gives us well-choreographed dance sequences, full-concept music videos and meticulously crafted fits. And with this close attention to detail, he cements his status as a rising artist to watch in 2022. 

“I think it’s time that the world of music sees an artist like myself carving such a niche lane that not many others can occupy,” he explains. “Ghetto Popstar Vol. 1 is intended to let people know that Rodney Chrome is here and now is time to spread the gospel.”